GETAWAYS
Galena, IL
Sept. 11-12, 2025
(Includes private evening goat trek for everyone)
If this is your first hike of the year, please register for the season and fill out the mandatory Annual Registration Waiver.
Sept 11-12
2-days
$335.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
Approximately 4 miles at Mines of Spain
Retreat to the charming town of Galena to kick off your fall season with some new and exciting activities that are sure to create lasting memories. Explore its fascinating history while hiking along the scenic bluffs and taking in the beautiful views of the mighty Mississippi River at the picturesque Mines of Spain State Park. You can choose to E-bike up the rolling hills to a nearby vineyard for a complimentary glass of wine, or you may prefer to kayak down the peaceful waters of the Galena River. There’s also the delightful option to partake in an adorable mini-horse experience or get an official trolley tour of Galena that will surely bring a smile to your face. Finally, end your day trekking with the friendly goats in the woodlands followed by a catered dinner, bonfire and live music. All reserved as a private event for Trailbound.
Our stay overnight is at the historic DeSoto House Hotel which includes all you can eat breakfast and a boxed lunch for our 2nd day of hiking. Please see detailed itinerary for a description of our hike, hotel, and options for the afternoon.
**The event will be adjusted to resemble the Galena Getaway on Sept. 10-11, without the private goat event, unless at least 15 people sign up. A partial refund will be provided.
Hotel
DeSoto House Hotel: 230 S. Main Street Galena, IL 61036
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
Named for the discoverer of the Mississippi River, the DeSoto House opened on April 9, 1855 and was billed as the “Largest Hotel in the West.” This warm and charming landmark hotel offers delux accomodations in a historical setting with Victorian styled rooms.
All rooms include two full-size beds, WiFi, TV, Toiletries, coffee/tea service and bottled water.
Trailbound will purchase your room and hold it for you. Registration is for a double occupancy room. Please email us to let us know your preferred roommate. (hello@trailboundtrip.com) If you don’t have a preference, we will match you with someone.
The upcharge for a solo room is $100.00. Please add this cost at check out if you desire a solo room.
Cost of registration and room is non-refundable if cancelled less than 72 hours before the reservation.
Driving Directions
Grant Park
Address: 625 Park Ave. Galena, IL 61036
Google directions to meet at the park for an early sack lunch.
DeSoto House Hotel
230 S. Main Street Galena, IL 61036
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
What to Bring:
Hiking Shoes
Hiking stick
Backpack
Layers & raingear
Sack lunch for early lunch meeting in park.
DAY 1
We begin our Getaway for a meet and greet at the Grant Park in Galena. Bring your sack lunch, and we will fortify ourselves before we head off to our different activities in town.
Afternoon Activites: Choose one!
E-bike up to a vineyard for a glass of wine. Enjoy the thrill of an E-bike on the beautiful rolling country hills of Galena to a vineyard for a complimentary glass of wine. This is a leisurely 12.5 mile, or 1.5 hour bike ride, using the assist of the ebike the whole way, or just up the hills. Finish at Galena Wine Cellar’s vinyard for a glass of wine. Take the shuttle back to your car around 4:00. Trailbound will reserve your bike, with no hassel cancelation for rainy days. Nuts Outdoors is the rental agency. $95.00
Kayak the Galena River: Kayak the gentle Galena River for a 5-mile journey. This trip is perfect for beginners, with options to float or paddle while observing fish and wildlife. Nuts Outdoors will provide kayaks and transport us upstream. Approximately a 2 hour experience. Kari McLennan will lead the trip. Nuts Outdoors is the rental agency. $60.00
Trolley Tour of Galena: Historic non-stop trolley tours to step back in time and see the homes and buildings that once made Galena a major river boat and lead mining community. We will see the U.S Grant's Home, Galena's largest mansion, Galena's oldest home, many more sights, and tell you how Galena got its start. $22.00, purchase on your own in town.
Mini Horse Experience: Head to Tacktics to pet, groom, and sit with the mini horses. A 30 minute experience to bond with these adorable creatures. Cost is $20.00
Explore Downtown Galena. Step out of the hotel and into the center of this charming town on the banks of the Galena River. The town boasts of 19th century mansions, one of a kind shops, local wineries and eateries.
Stroll down the Galena River. An easy in and out path to follow from the popular downtown Grant Park and down the river as far as you like. Potential 8 miles.
An enchanting evening that begins with the serenity of goats walking besides you through the wooded forest trail. This will be a private event, as we walk the 1.25 miles with the goats and then return for a catered dinner, bonfire and live music.
Relax after dinner in your own room, or enjoy each other’s company in the hotel’s common areas.
DAY 2
Breakfast in the Courtyard restaurant of the DeSoto House. This is a 4 story atrium in the center of the hotel. Choose any breakfast items on the menu. Breakfast is included in your registration.
Check out of the hotel, pack the car, and we will car pool to the Mines of Spain.
We begin our hike at Horseshoe Bluff. Nestled along the Mississppi River, this 1.5 mile trail takes us past ponds and beaver lodges, through the woods and towering canyons of Ordovician dolomite rock. One might even feel like they are in Utah with all the interesting rock formations. This trail has a few steep spots, but overall an easy to moderate hike.
Our next hike takes us up to the EB Lyons Nature Center and down to the Catfish creek while enjoying the woodland preserve where the Native Americans had settled near the creek. Approximately 2.5 miles with a 250 foot elevation gain and loss.
Boxed lunches are provided by DeSoto House Hotel and will be enjoyed on the trail.
Return to Galena to pick up the cars at DeSoto hotel. Enjoy some final shopping in Galena, and head home refreshed and restored.
Registration Cost
Included in booking:
2 guides for 2 days of hiking, activities, and evening camaraderie
One night stay at DeSoto House Hotel at Double Occupancy
Breakfast at DeSoto House Hotel
Boxes Lunch to go from DeSoto House Hotel
Reserving your optional activity, all refunded for rain.
Goat trek, dinner, bonfire and live music at Hoof It.
Not included:
Optional Activities: You may choose one activity
E-biking tour to Vineyard. $95.00
Kayaking down the Galena River $60.00
Mini Horse Experience $20.00
Solo room upgrade: $100.00
Sack lunch when you arrive in Galena at 11:00am
Alcoholic drinks for dinner
Cancellations & Refunds
You may cancel your Getaway to Galena for a full refund if made 30 days in advance.
If you cancel less than 30 days, a refund will be made if your spot can be filled from a wait list.
If you cancel less than 72 hours, Trailbound will not refund your registration.
Itinerary may change due to weather.
Change of Itinerary if minimum registration not met:
Trailbound reserves the right to change itinerary for evening plans of Private Goat trek, dinner, & music, to Dinner and live music at Council Hill Station if minimum of 15 registrations is not met by Aug. 1. Partial refund for premium goat event will be issued to each paid registration of $55.00.